J/70 Mixed-Plus World Championship at Circolo Vela Torbole - Day 3
by Julie & Christopher Howell 28 Jun 2025 10:04 PDT
26-29 June 2025
A busy day full of tactical challenges wrapped up in Torbole Saturday, where the first-ever J/70 Mixed-Plus World Championship continues at full speed.
Once again, Lake Garda delivered ideal racing conditions, with the southern Ora breeze blowing steadily from 195 degrees, ranging between 12 and 18 knots. Shifty and gusty, the wind put both crews and tacticians to the test. All three scheduled races were completed on a racecourse where strategic choices made the real difference.
The day opened with a win by Corinthian team, Lift Ticket", highlighting the diversity and competitiveness of a highly inclusive fleet. In fact, over 50% of the sailors on the starting line are women — one of the core goals behind the creation of the Mixed-Plus format, strongly supported by the International J/70 Class.
In the second race of the day, Yupi — the Spanish team helmed by Tokyo 2020 Olympic medalist Joan Cardona Méndez — returned to form, much as they had dominated the first two days. With a win in Race 8 and a second place in Race 9, Cardona strengthened his lead in the overall standings, now eight points ahead of Australia's Vamos, skippered by Tim Ryan.
It was also a solid day for Brazil's To Nessa, who posted scores of 3-3-4 to climb back into third place overall. Joining helmsman Renato Cunha Faria and Kadja Brandao on board are sailing legend Torben Grael, his daughter Martine, and her crewmate Kahena Kunze — all three Olympic medalists. Dropping to fourth are Sweden's Sailracing, now 14 points off the podium, followed in fifth by Italy's J-Curve, skippered by Mauro Roversi.
In the Corinthian division, Dime of Andrew Loe leads the standings, but the race for the title is as close as ever. DSP sits in second, tied on points but behind due to weaker individual results. Moving up to third is White Hawk of Gianfranco Noè, just three points off the lead, after a strong showing in the first race of the day where they rounded the top mark in first place. Completing the Corinthian top five are Piccinina of Stefano Roberti and Furio of Keith Whittemore.
Only two races remain, out of the 11 scheduled, to decide the title in this historic first edition of the J/70 Mixed-Plus World Championship. The final showdown is set for 11:00, followed by the prize-giving ceremony in the afternoon at Circolo della Vela Torbole.